Is online learning right for you?
After attending online classes for the past several years, I have learned that the online environment is not for everyone. Unfortunately, some people either have unrealistic expectations, or they think taking online classes is the “easy” route. Although you might not have to sit in class all day, you still have to read your textbooks, write papers, have virtual discussions with classmates/professors, and even participate in the occasional group project (ugh!).
In many ways, online college courses are more difficult than their traditional counterparts. Are you comfortable using computers? Are you a self-starter? Is interacting with other students (in the traditional sense) important to you? Can you complete tasks with little input from your instructors?
There are four basic things you may want to consider as you research online classes:
- Computers: Are you comfortable using email? Do you know how to work with attachments? Can you perform basic searches/research online?
- Motivation: Are you a self-starter? Your professor will not be sending you daily emails telling you to complete your assignments and take your tests. A certain level of self-discipline is required.
- Interaction: In an online class, you will interact with the professor and your classmates primarily via threaded discussions and email. If you feel that face-to-face contact is a must for you to thrive, then online classes might not be right for you.
- Hurdles: There are certain classes that may be more suitable for the traditional classroom (speech, sciences with labs, and classes such as calculus… for those of us who prefer learning math face-to-face!). Although all of these classes are available online, sometimes, you have to stop and ask yourself if you should take a class or two locally for best results.
Test your skills!
Here’s an Online Learning Assessment Quiz to test yourself and see if online learning is the right choice for you.
If you are ready to find a degree program that meets your needs, perform an online degree search.
Related posts:
- 5 tips for selecting an online university
- Traditional colleges vs. Online colleges
- 2 reasons to consider attending an online college in your own state
- Care to test drive an online course?
- Five ways to spot a diploma mill
- Why you should consider taking online classes
- Importance of online college accreditation
- How online degrees affect your financial aid eligibility
Top Online College Degree Programs
Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Considered a top online college, Kaplan University offers students affordable and convenient online classes. Kaplan University is an accredited university that provides students the education to become successful professionals upon graduation.
Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University offers degrees in high growth technology based careers with convenient scheduling offered for its various degree plans. Everest University offers campus and online classes for students looking for a school that offers excellence in education.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. At Saint Leo University, students have the opportunity to achieve their lifelong and educational goals. The university provides students with academic and industry professionals who are highly educated in their field of expertise and are willing to share that knowledge with the students at Saint Leo.
American InterContinental University - Associate's , Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. With campuses located around the world, American InterContinental University has been educating students for over 35 years. AIU offers flexible and interactive programs that assist the students in graduating at their own pace.
University of Phoenix- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. Students looking for careers in health & human services, business, and technology will want to attend University of Phoenix for its degree plans in high growth careers. Phoenix is an accredited university that allows students to earn a degree entirely from home.
Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Liberty University offers undergraduate and graduate level education at affordable prices. Assisting students with diverse learning styles, Liberty offers unmatched quality degree programs.
Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University provides working adults an excellent place to pursue a secondary or uncompleted degree. Affordable and flexible programs are available to all students looking to obtain a degree from a well known accredited university.
Walden University - Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctorate Degrees. Walden University is dedicated in ensuring students receive the education they need to advance in their careers. Their programs are convenient and effective, providing working students with the flexibility they need.
Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. By designing their programs to meet the changing needs of today's world, Colorado Technical University prepares students for a career in the most competitive industries. Additionally, they offer accelerated and flexible programs to allow students to enter the professional world sooner than traditional programs.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College prepares students for their professional lives by providing them with the appropriate skills and knowledge for their area of concentration. The college's career-oriented programs will prepare students for the real-world in no time.
DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. DeVry University has a tradition of providing academic excellence, affordable pricing, and a well respected faculty. DeVry University gives each student personalized attention so that they have the best opportunity to succeed.
Post University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Post University is a premiere destination for students in obtaining their college degree online. Post University offers a dynamic curriculum to every student and are taught by the very best professors in their field of study.
Florida Tech University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Ranked among America's best universities, Florida Tech University offers a dynamic e-learning experience that will give students the opportunity to pursue a quality degree on their own time. Students from Florida Tech will continue to carry the pursuit of excellence even after they graduate.
